Developing a multi-agency web-based reporting system for unusual wild animal illness or die-offs in New York City

Animals can serve as important sentinels of emerging infectious diseases. In 1999, large crow die-offs in NYC heralded the arrival of West Nile virus (WNV) in humans. Multiple agencies within NYC investigate wild animal illness or die-offs but, until recently, no mechanism existed to support joint investigations or electronic data sharing. The NYC Health Department (DOHMH) developed a data system to aggregate data on animal morbidity and mortality events, improve sharing of animal disease investigation data with partner agencies, and enhance detection and response to new infectious disease threats manifested in animal populations. DOHMH developed Animal Mortality and Morbidity Investigations (AMMI), a secure, web-based data system designed for interagency use. All data are stored in a Microsoft® SQL server database, including details about the event, animals, and diagnostic results. Interagency staff were trained and the system launched in November 2007. Analyses to describe the events were completed using SAS®. From AMMI inception through February 2009, 29 investigations of unusual animal illnesses or die-offs were documented by DOHMH, NYC Parks and NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. Specimens were submitted for 14 of 29 events. Necropsy was the most commonly performed examination. Causes included but were not limited to rodenticides, avicides, and WNV. AMMI provides a sustainable forum for communication and collaboration among agencies investigating wild animal illnesses or deaths. A common platform provides a more complete picture to all agencies detecting or responding to such events. AMMI facilitates interagency partnership on investigations to determine cause, track events, and intervene appropriately.